Yawning is caused by a lack of oxygen in the brain.

the verdict

REFUTED

the evidence says no

Recorded sources

1 source for · 5 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Is it true that Yawning is caused by a lack of oxygen in the brain?

No. A clinical reference states the oxygen-deficit theory of yawning was discarded because a controlled lack of oxygen does not produce more yawning, and peer-reviewed work attributes yawning to arousal, brainstem and brain-cooling mechanisms instead. Only a 1913 popular newspaper piece repeats the old ventilation idea.

Verdict: REFUTED · 1 source for, 5 against · Last checked 3 Oct 2026

The private library was unavailable for some searches in this check. Missing library results are not evidence against the claim.

Evidence for · 1

YAWNING VENTILATES YOUR LUNGS. (Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 29 October 1913)

1913

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YAWNING VENTILATES YOUR LUNGS. (Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 29 October 1913). (1913). paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ROTWKG19131029.2.56

Evidence against · 5

Yawning Definition & Causes

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Yawning Definition & Causes. (n.d.). my.clevelandclinic.org. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/yawning

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More against · 4

Fetal yawning.

2010

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Walusinski, O. (2010). Fetal yawning.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1159/000307075

The octadecaneuropeptide ODN inhibits apomorphine-induced yawning in rats

1998

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The octadecaneuropeptide ODN inhibits apomorphine-induced yawning in rats. (1998). normandie-univ.hal.science. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0014-2999(98)00570-6

The science of yawning: Exploring its physiology, evolutionary role, and behavioral impact -

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The science of yawning: Exploring its physiology, evolutionary role, and behavioral impact - PMC Lock. (n.d.). pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1677_24

Fetal yawning and mouth openings: Frequency, developmental trends, and association with birth weight

2026

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Menin, D., Veronese, P., Gervasi, M. T., Oster, H., & Dondi, M. (2026). Fetal yawning and mouth openings: Frequency, developmental trends, and association with birth weight. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0341339

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